Quilters guild sews for charities

Wednesday

Jan 16, 2013 at 12:01 AMJan 16, 2013 at 8:01 AM

Pocono Mountains Quilters Guild for more than two decades has taken great pride in teaching all who like to learn the art of quilting, including during the otherwise slower paced winter hibernation time.

SHARON ROTHMAN

Pocono Mountains Quilters Guild for more than two decades has taken great pride in teaching all who like to learn the art of quilting, including during the otherwise slower paced winter hibernation time.

During the quilters' annual holiday party held at the Cherry Valley Bistro PMQG, President Peggy Chiniewicz explained, "Anyone young or old can join our group we have had even both genders participate." The group's diverse membership comes from all corners of Monroe County and surrounding areas. Many quilters have been featured in magazines, quilt shows and have won national prizes.

PMQG began at St. Matthew's Church in East Stroudsburg in 1989 with 50 women and had its first quilting show in May of 1990. Since that time, membership numbers have fluctuated, but the group continues to move forward with a highly motivated association.

"At our quilt shows, which are held every other year, we host a charity quilt auction to support a local organization," Chiniewicz said. "Guild members make quilts and quilt related items that are auctioned off during the quilt show. All the money generated is given to that year's chosen nonprofit. PMQG has contributed by making quilts for numerous organizations."

This year their quilt show will be held the weekend of April 20 and 21 at Stroudsburg Junior High School on Chipperfield Drive in Stroudsburg, with proceeds raised to benefit Monroe County Hospice House.

Giving back to the community gained momentum for PMQG members throughout the years. They are involved in creating numerous quilts that have been presented to help those in need. Some recent recipients are Katrina Quilts, 911 quilts, ER bears, baby quilts, lap quilts for the elderly and 'pink quilts' for breast cancer awareness.

PMQG's goal is to make at least one quilt annually to donate to a local organization to use as a fundraiser. Over the years, it has assisted Slate Belt Nursing, Rehabilitation Center Pleasant Valley Manor, Women's Resources of Monroe County, The Monroe County Cancer Society and Extendicare Foundation for Alzheimer's Research, as well as donating 40 dresses with pairs of shorts to "Dresses for Africa" through the Richmond United Methodist Church in Bangor

Even during their holiday party the group continues to support those in need by having a canned food drive and holding a tricky tray.

To benefit Monroe County Salvation Army. Chiniewicz said $407 was collected from the group's holiday raffle, and the executive board made a motion and decision to round the amount to $500.

Pat Cudney, PMQG publicist, said, the guild is always seeking members and interested parties are invited as a member's guest at any PMQG meeting, held 6:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month in the Community Room of Eastern Monroe Public Library-Hughes Branch in Stroudsburg on the corner of Route 611 and Chipperfield Drive.

Meetings include, refreshments, activity-guest speaker, mini-workshops, games and show and tell.

"It is a wonderful forum to learn about quilting and meet new people," Cudney said.

The next meeting, however, will be Feb. 1. For details, visit thepmqg.com.